MAKEOVER MADNESS

Comments

Have you noticed the latest craze with makeovers? Nothing is sacred anymore--- everything is up for a makeover. You can redo your house, your body, your teeth, your pets, your yard, your car. Is nothing untouchable?? What has happened to accepting things the way they are? Our youth have received very mixed messages -- as adults we teach them to accept others the way they are but yet they are peppered with messages to change appearances if there is the slightest flaw.

After watching one more of the countless TV Shows about makeover’s it got me to thinking about the recent attitude and obsession we have with becoming something else. Why is there such a drive to 'redo' things in our lives? There are reality shows based upon bodies, homes, weight loss, cars, families, relationships, music--- the list goes on. So what is it that drives so many to faithfully watch and participate in these fantasy shows? Is it reality or fantasy?? How many people do you know go home specifically to watch shows such as ‘Trading Spaces’, ‘American Idol’ or ‘Trading Spouses’, ‘Build-a-Bike’ or ‘Big Brother’. Maybe the latest episode of ‘Bachelor’ or ‘Bachelorette’. Folk gather round the ‘telly’ and cheer on their favorite participant. In our house ‘The Amazing Race’ gathers the biggest crowd.

Millions of people tune into the daily episodes of reality programs every evening. The next day, the office talk is who did what to whom, and why so-and-so did what they did. Guesses are made about future episodes and bets are placed on the outcomes. Friends create a social outing and base it around a particular reality show, the big winner in this category is ‘Survivor’. Truly fascinating to watch how people become so enthralled with these episodes and the lives of these ‘Reality’ personalities.

Is it because deep down each of us would like to participate and perhaps have a moment in the limelight? Does it give viewers a sense of participating in some one else’s life (replaces the old fashioned party-line), or is it the chance to see other’s do activities most folks can only dream about? Perhaps it is the chance to see real people be challenged or to win or fail within their task. Does it give the ordinary ‘Joe’ a chance to gloat, and say "Now if that was me, I would do it this way"? Sometimes a viewer is able to commiserate with the participant, identify with their strengths and weaknesses.

I can remember many years ago, after moving across the country for work, I began spending more time in front of the tube and becoming engrossed in a particular daytime soap opera. I was hooked--- my time was carefully scheduled so I could be home to watch. Soon my coworkers and I would be talking about these TV characters as if they were real people in our lives. And later, when I flew across the country to visit family, my sister and I had similar views in regards to the show, we discussed what was happening and laughed about the latest antics. Upon returning home I realized ‘What the heck am I doing? Living my life through a TV show?’ It was at that point I weaned myself from the soap opera and I have never gone back. I’m not saying I never watch reality shows, because I do-- but I don’t base my life around any particular series.

So now after a vigorous run on the treadmill, while watching ‘The Swan’, it has made me more determined to watch my calories and work on updating my wardrobe. No more cheesecake or double, double chocolate cake for a long time. A new hairdo and brighter lipstick, plus a couple of weeks bleaching my teeth ought to do it. Yes, I’m going to look svelte without the liposuction and drastic surgery, without the cameras following every move and a dietitian counting the calories. I will create my own makeover-- minus the ‘tube’!! Plus I have an appointment with an interior decorator to update my entire house, having spent a few evenings poring over information available from gurus like Cheryll Gillespie. Perhaps when the demolition guys appear to rip out the old floor I can pick up some unique ideas from the old lino. Reuse and recycle the bits and pieces into abstract art pieces. Meanwhile I’m scouring the travel sections in the newspaper to clip out coupons or enter contests, preferably with the results of winning and whisking me off to exotic destinations or perhaps a safari in Africa with the chance to live like a native in the jungle. And while I’m at it, I think a few tunes should guarantee a place in the next ‘Idol’ elimination rounds. Or I could practice eating weird bugs and shimmering power poles in dangerous locations.

Oh my, I do have some work to get done and who knows what kind of tidbits I will acquire from the next batch of reality shows. What ever works to secure a place in one of the many episodes coming up-- even if it is only from my couch!! Hey, where has the remote gone??